Mali Coach After Zambia Draw: "Thanks to FIFA for Allowing Six Players to Be Released Before AFCON"

Mali national team coach Tom Saintfiet expressed his frustration after the 1-1 draw against Zambia in their opening Africa Cup of Nations group stage match, but affirmed his team's chances of qualifying for the next round remain intact.

The Belgian coach stated in the post-match press conference, "Thanks to FIFA for allowing six players to be released before the Africa Cup of Nations. I have two of my best players, Traoré and Niakate, who suffered injuries in their last league match, and I'm not even sure if they will be available for the second game."

He continued, "I am not happy; I am frustrated after the draw, but our goal is still to reach the semi-finals. Although some paths are harder than others, the opportunities to qualify are still there."

Saintfiet added, "Now we will analyze this match with the technical staff and make decisions that are not influenced by emotion, but are based solely on tactical options."

Regarding their upcoming match against "the Lions" (referring to Morocco), the Mali coach said, "Morocco is a very good team. We saw how excellently they defended (against Comoros), but that is not our style of play."

He concluded, "We know we need points against Morocco, and when we get a point, we always need to win the last match, and I am sure we will achieve that."